You have a fabulous website. This Board becomes very lively when the Classics come back to the Ziegfeld. The man to contact is Clearview’s Craig O' Connor at , who has brought them all to the Ziegfeld, and I have had the good fortune to introduce several of them. A week of disaster films on the Ziegfeld’d screen—go for it, drop Craig a line. He’d love to hear from you. And keep us posted, here!
Ah!! The New Amsterdam—with great anticipation I followed the resurrection in the 90’s and was there the second or third night of “King David” which reopened the theatre. I couldn’t wait to get back and saw “The Lion King” in December of 1997, the year it opened.
When “Mary Poppins” moved in, I returned again just to marvel at the place—there is nothing, in my mind, to compare to it.
They give tours—do yourself a favor and see it, if you haven’t.
This is why I must confess that there are so many times I have been to the Ziegfeld REGARDLESS of what’s playing. I absolutely hated “Phantom of the Opera,” but was happy to be at the Ziegfeld on Christmas day…where I am, actually, every Christmas day.
I certainly plan on returning to the Lafayette many times and look forward to meeting you again and/or, hopefully, at the Ziegfeld where I intend to nudge Craig to get some classics going in the fall.
Regardless, this was my second time at the Lafayette (first was “Jason and the Argonauts”) and I have to tell you that I feel incredibly fortunate in having discovered the place mainly through this Ziegfeld page.
In the original on-the-set interview shown at Comic-Con last summer (I think that’s what it’s called), I remember that Spielberg specifically addressed the Indy audience saying that he was making the film “for you,” i.e. all Indy fans. While on line, I asked one of the smiling people leaving the previous showing what she thought. I knew this was risky for me. She said it was “awesome.”
This film will either be dead after the weekend or will have “legs” into the summer. Will be interesting to see.
On another note, the premise of the Will Smith “Hancock” film looks very interesting. That may be the movie of the summer. Unfortunately, plenty of CGI, but if well written, I’ll go for it.
I went in with the same attitude of “lowered expectations,” which is a sad way to go into a film—but it doesn’t mean that I was determined to like the film no matter what it turned out to be.
What makes “Raiders” great is not only its novelty, but especially its great screenplay and richly drawn characters and the chemistry between them, the “quieter” moments—the scene where Indy thinks Marion is dead, their scene on the ship (“It’s not the years, it’s the mileage”), the interplay between Indy and Bellacq, all of this has been sorely lacking in the sequels, except, perhaps, the father-son stuff in “Last Crusade.” And for me, that’s the only thing that redeemed that film.
Everyone brings his own baggage to a movie. I think what really makes the new film for me is putting Marion and Indy back together. That was a smart move. The rest is “formula,” brought up to the 1950’s-which is interesting and fun.
Am I glad they even bothered—yes, I am. I didn’t walk out angry as I did with “The Lost World.”
The film does have things going for it even if it’s not “Raiders,” although I wish it were.
For opening day, it was very nice to see a line down the street and up the avenue as I exited the 4 PM show. The curtains closed and opened for the feature and the print (on film, not digital) is gorgeous. For me, the movie is “popcorn fun” which is all I wanted—just nice to have Indy AND Marion back, and I loved the ending.
Can it have been better-yes!
Can it have been worse-yes!
Did I have a great time at the Ziegfeld with Indy?
YOU BET!!!
Don’t forget about the next Bond-due in November? Just my opinion, but I’m going into Indy with my expectations under control. After 19 years, Spielberg, et. al., repeatedly said they would get it right. I’m not reading any reviews or posting any here,
“Mr. Neary, What do you want?"
"I just want to know that it’s really happening”
Here’s another unfortunate complication. There was a time when the Ziegfeld would have an “exclusive” or almost an “exclusive” on a picture, and it would be a pleasure to see a line around the block and a packed auditorium. Indy is having a massive opening, and unlike you and I, many people do not really care where they see a film, even though the Ziegfeld experience is unique.
The bottom line is that even if Indy is a big success, for how long can you fill around a thousand seats for five shows a day?
As I have said here many times, I’m grateful that the place, which really is a “white elephant” given its size, has not vanished or been subdivided. I also miss the Astor Plaza and movies at Radio City (where I actually saw the premiere of “The Abyss.”)
I hope you got to see some of the recent classics and that there will be more of them. It is really a pleasure to see these on the Ziegfeld screen.
My apologies-although the Ziegfeld Man wishes he had control over this unfortunately he doesn’t. Since we’ve all been waiting 19 years for Indy to return to the Ziegfeld, do what you have to do to be there. As they say, nobody on his death bed regrets not spending enough time in the office. Or something like that.
See you there, hat and whip in hand!!! It’ll be amazing.
Thanks for the kind word-much appreciated. When I meet you, I will be pleased to shake your hand. By the way, TCM is the ONLY thing I watch on television. I have met Robert Osborne, he is a gentleman, and introduces a film in person just as he does on TCM—he’s the one who introduced “Leave Her to Heaven” and interviewed Darryl Hickman. Marvelous experience.
Any chance for “How the West Was Won ‘ to coincide with Warner’s summer DVD release? I’m new here, so you may have addressed this before. I introduce some of the classic screenings at the Ziegfeld.
We are definitely on the same page-over the years I have seen, at the Ziegfeld, the restored “Spartacus,” “Vertigo,” and “Lawrence of Arabia,” all on film. And all looked fabulous.
With your expertise, I’m sure that you will see differences between “Goldfinger” on film and “Goldfinger” presented digitally, I respect that. And I know plenty of people who prefer the “sound” of music on vinyl versus CD’s. I respect that,too.
Last month, I saw a gorgeous technicolor print of “Leave Her to Heaven,” restored by AMPAS that looked absolutely stunning and was on film-clearly the best of both worlds.
But one can’t have it all ways. So, any day, I will take seeing a classic, in a theatre, with an audience, on a big screen, whether it is film, digital, or (gasp) even DVD.
My real gripe is with the very existence of home video vs. the abundance of revival houses that used to exist (The Bleeker St., Thalia, New Yorker, etc.) There used to be so many of these where one could really appreciate “film as it was meant to be seen.”
So, if it’s a choice between only seeing “Goldfinger” at home on your plasma TV (however Big) and seeing it digitally at the Ziegfeld, I’ll go with the latter.
I attend the Film Forum, MOMA, Moving Image, the Lafayette and look forward to making a trip to the Basie. All film, I’m grateful. I really am.
I was so intrigued by the incredible detail and clarity that I, too, saw in “Goldfinger,” that tonight, I took out the “ultimate” edition DVD of “Dr. No” from my local library. It has a very interesting documentary on how the frame-by frame digital restoration of the Bond films is being done using the original camera negatives. It is very high-tech, but involves a lot of TLC on the part of the restoration team. As you saw, it’s all up there on the screen.
It really looks like a brand new film.
This not only corrects dirt and damage, but as you can see, brings out a sharpness and beauty that is incredible.
Well, although it is after midnight, I am so enthusiastic about what happened today that I am keeping my eyes open to write this.
If digital restoration AND projection is to be the future of our dear classics-there can be no better example of why this SHOULD be so than what I saw today—a nearly forty-four year old film that is so crisp, so sharp, and so beautiful that I really wanted to weep for joy.
This “Goldfinger” is astonishing right down to the pores on 007’s face. My friends, it is that good. No, it is better than good—it is incredible.
And I could tell right from the getgo as Bond looks at his Rolex when he sets the bomb in the pre-credit sequence.
What clarity, what stupendous color, what an experience-for a film I adore. Here’s another example—in the famous golf match Bond offers a gold bar to Goldfinger to sweeten the pot, a bar from a Nazi stash of gold. Well, on that bar of gold is the tiniest swastika I ever saw, and this is the first time I ever saw it as clear as day or ever actually saw it at all!!
I just did not believe that an old movie like this could look this pristine on a screen as large as the Ziegfeld’s.
I had read about this “print” which came directly from the UK where it was a major hit last fall—and it’s not a print at all, but a hard drive.
And I do not in any way want to offend anyone who loves celluloid, but if digital can do this, I am all for it.
The sound was absolutely fine and happily was not artificially “updated” to the Dolby that it never was. John Barry’s soundtrack filled the entire theatre starting with the brass that blasts Shirley Bassey’s booming voice.
Someone else will have to report on “The Spy Who Loved Me,” since I couldn’t stay for that.
But please allow me to finish with the following and I’ll also post my intro at the very end.
As I said on this site before this Classics series started, not everything is going to be perfect, and some things will be far from perfect. The “Jaws” I saw looked great, but “The Sound of Music” had plenty of scratches. I am still glad that I even had the opportunity just to see “The Sound of Music” at the Ziegfeld.
And just to set the record straight regarding the “Planet of the Apes,” new print—since I personally looked into this-that print was indeed new, but it was not made from very good source elements. Still, I was glad to have the opportunity to see it.
I will be away for a little bit, but hope to see you all at Indiana Jones on opening day.
Here’s the “Goldfinger” intro, and thanks for listening
Best
As we look forward to the return of Indiana Jones in about a month, let us, today, not forget that James Bond will be back in November for the 22nd time in forty six years.
So, let’s go back, for a moment to the early sixties, just to get ready. Right on the heels of “From Russia With Love†which opened in April, “Goldfinger†opened in New York on Broadway in December of 1964 as the most highly anticipated film of the year.
The day after it opened, the Times reported that the DeMille theatre on Broadway and 47th street would remain open 24 hours a day to meet the public demand for the filmâ€"completely unprecedented.
After all these years, “Goldfinger,†which may be the best of the Bonds, still has it all-the danger, spectacular action, exotic locations, smoldering sexuality, outrageous humor and double entendres, the evilest villains, the glamour and the girls, and the coolest of the cool, double Oh seven himself.-shaken, not stirred. And that’s a line that Bond himself first says in “Goldfinger.â€
Here are a few more fun facts:
(1) There was a rumor at the time that actress Shirley Eaton, the “golden girl,†was really suffocated and killed during the production of “Goldfinger.†In other words, that was her really dead on the cover of Life Magazine and “Goldfinger†was a SNUFF movie.
Great publicity, but you can’t suffocate somebody by painting them-I tried it, it doesn’t work. But don’t you try it, since paint still has some nasty things in it, plus it can clog all your pores and you can overheat to death.
(2) Ah, that wonderful car, the Aston-Martin DB5-“The Most Famous Car in the World.â€
Well, that wasn’t the only new car to make its first appearance in a motion picture. Anyone recall the Ford Mustang?
The Ford Motor company happily let the producers crush a brand new Lincoln Continental in return for showcasing the Mustang which debuted in 1964.
(3) Finally the most famous line that never got into the film.
When Pussy Galore introduces herself to Bond, double â€"oh-seven pauses, smiles and replies “I must be dreaming.â€
THAT WAS CHANGED FROM THIS:
“IN THE ORIGINAL SCRIPTâ€
(1) After nearly being castrated by Goldfinger’s laser beam, Bond awakens to find a beautiful girl pointing a gun at him.
(2) SHE SAYS: “I AM PUSSY GALOREâ€
(3) BOND, INSTANTLY GRATEFUL, REPLIES “ I KNOW YOU ARE, BUT WHAT’S YOUR NAME?â€
THEY SHOULD HAVE LEFT THAT ONE IN!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO, SIT BACK, RELAX, SHUT OFF YOUR CELL PHONES BECAUSE “I DON’T EXPECT YOU TO TALK—-I EXPECT YOU TO …WATCH.â€
Slight change in plans, this coming Saturday, April 19th, I will be introducing the afternoon showing of “Goldfinger” instead of the evening showing.
I am really looking forward to this as I have never seen the film on as big a screen as the Ziegfeld, but more on that in my intro. Would you believe that the film played 24 hours a day at the De Mille-incredible.
Will definitely be back, if not sooner then definitely for “The Jolson Story”– a favorite from “Million Dollar Movie” where everybody rediscovered Jolson. I actually went to a Jolson conference last fall, which was mobbed.
I’m sure evey day is a good day at the Lafayette, and I have to commend you and everyone for paying attention to such detail.
Also, the whole town of Suffern, which I had never been to, is absolutely charming. It really reminded me of “Willoughby” from a famous “Twilight Zone” episode that I’m sure you know. It’s nice to know that Willoughby has such a great cinema as The Lafayette.
I looked at the top ten list—and was glad to see that the Ziegfeld is on it, too. Yes, I know about all the issues that people post, but I’m glad both places exist. I may spend the rest of my life visiting the other eight cinemas!!!
Have to add one other thing-last week another dream came true; I finally got inside what was once “Loew’s 175th Street.”
Although a church, since 1969, it is also now a “sometimes” rock venue known as “The United Palace.” The band that I saw there was great, but the interior, which is in pristine shape, has not been modified at all (as far as I can tell) and is totally awesome— what the “Jersey City” is on its way to being.
I’m almost motivated to go back to the “Valencia” in Jamaica, Queens, also now a church-but a place I have great teenage memories of.
It was totally spontaneous-given I had already seen “Shine a Light”(which I loved)-I figured today was the day to go.
When I first saw that interior and heard the organ music I was totally blown away.
When Nelson said that “Jason” was a thrill for ten-year olds, I actually remember seeing it on television much later, but I did remember the incredible thrill of seeing “The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad” in 1958 when I was 7!!! And that was at my neighborhood theatre which had to be the Bliss or Sunnyside in Queens.
What memories this brought back.
Having the Lafayette (which was easier to get to than I thought) AND the Ziegfeld now seems the best of both worlds. Throw in the shows I go to at Moving Image, MOMA, and Film Forum, as well as, Turner Classic Movies-I am one happy movie-goer.
If you’re at the Ziegfeld in a week for my “Goldfinger” intro—4/19, evening show, please say hello. Now I know two Honor Blackman films.
Bill-if you get a chance, I’d still like your thoughts re: Warners and “Last Summer,” which is my pet project.
Dear Nelson, Pete, Jeff and the entire staff of the Lafayette:
After everything I have read about this theatre on the Ziegfeld page, I finally discovered what I have been missing by attending today’s “Jason and the Argonauts.” WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE in a lovely little village. I drove from Long Island, picked up my friend in Manhattan, came up the Palisades and was there in no time.
To see that a place like this still exists ANYWHERE is incredible. From the enthusiastic people on line outside, to the beautiful lobby, astonishing interior, and marvelous organ playing—-to the introduction by Nelson, the beautiful curtains, and the screening itself—YOU CAN BET I WILL BE BACK!!
Exactly a week ago I introduced “Planet of the Apes” and sadly now have to add this. May he rest in peace.
Statement by the Family of Charlton Heston
Saturday April 5, 11:24 pm ET
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 5, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Legendary actor, civil rights leader and political activist Charlton Heston passed away today, at the age of 84. He died at his home with Lydia, his wife of 64 years, at his side. Mr. Heston was loved by his two children, Fraser Clarke Heston and Holly Heston Rochell, and his three grandchildren, Jack Alexander Heston, Ridley Rochell and Charlie Rochell.
The Heston family issued the following statement:
“To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support. Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity.
We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.
Hi Chuck:
You have a fabulous website. This Board becomes very lively when the Classics come back to the Ziegfeld. The man to contact is Clearview’s Craig O' Connor at , who has brought them all to the Ziegfeld, and I have had the good fortune to introduce several of them. A week of disaster films on the Ziegfeld’d screen—go for it, drop Craig a line. He’d love to hear from you. And keep us posted, here!
Best
Ah!! The New Amsterdam—with great anticipation I followed the resurrection in the 90’s and was there the second or third night of “King David” which reopened the theatre. I couldn’t wait to get back and saw “The Lion King” in December of 1997, the year it opened.
When “Mary Poppins” moved in, I returned again just to marvel at the place—there is nothing, in my mind, to compare to it.
They give tours—do yourself a favor and see it, if you haven’t.
This is why I must confess that there are so many times I have been to the Ziegfeld REGARDLESS of what’s playing. I absolutely hated “Phantom of the Opera,” but was happy to be at the Ziegfeld on Christmas day…where I am, actually, every Christmas day.
Best
Hi Jeff:
I certainly plan on returning to the Lafayette many times and look forward to meeting you again and/or, hopefully, at the Ziegfeld where I intend to nudge Craig to get some classics going in the fall.
Regardless, this was my second time at the Lafayette (first was “Jason and the Argonauts”) and I have to tell you that I feel incredibly fortunate in having discovered the place mainly through this Ziegfeld page.
Best
In the original on-the-set interview shown at Comic-Con last summer (I think that’s what it’s called), I remember that Spielberg specifically addressed the Indy audience saying that he was making the film “for you,” i.e. all Indy fans. While on line, I asked one of the smiling people leaving the previous showing what she thought. I knew this was risky for me. She said it was “awesome.”
This film will either be dead after the weekend or will have “legs” into the summer. Will be interesting to see.
On another note, the premise of the Will Smith “Hancock” film looks very interesting. That may be the movie of the summer. Unfortunately, plenty of CGI, but if well written, I’ll go for it.
Best
Hi Peter and Bill:
I went in with the same attitude of “lowered expectations,” which is a sad way to go into a film—but it doesn’t mean that I was determined to like the film no matter what it turned out to be.
What makes “Raiders” great is not only its novelty, but especially its great screenplay and richly drawn characters and the chemistry between them, the “quieter” moments—the scene where Indy thinks Marion is dead, their scene on the ship (“It’s not the years, it’s the mileage”), the interplay between Indy and Bellacq, all of this has been sorely lacking in the sequels, except, perhaps, the father-son stuff in “Last Crusade.” And for me, that’s the only thing that redeemed that film.
Everyone brings his own baggage to a movie. I think what really makes the new film for me is putting Marion and Indy back together. That was a smart move. The rest is “formula,” brought up to the 1950’s-which is interesting and fun.
Am I glad they even bothered—yes, I am. I didn’t walk out angry as I did with “The Lost World.”
The film does have things going for it even if it’s not “Raiders,” although I wish it were.
Best
Movie 534:
Yes, I absolutely do know where you stand on this. The film looks magnificent. Is it a great film?-well, I had FUN, which is exactly what I wanted.
Check out Roger Ebert’s review-I think he nailed it:
View link
A great weekend to you and to all.
Best
Re: Digital vs. Film
Yes, I expected that Spielberg was going digital, as well.
But check this out:
View link
AND THEN, check this out, which totally contradicts:
http://movies.ign.com/articles/858/858858p1.html
Regardless, what arrived at the Ziegfeld was film and not a hard drive- what do you think is better? The debate goes on!
Best
Indy is Back!!
For opening day, it was very nice to see a line down the street and up the avenue as I exited the 4 PM show. The curtains closed and opened for the feature and the print (on film, not digital) is gorgeous. For me, the movie is “popcorn fun” which is all I wanted—just nice to have Indy AND Marion back, and I loved the ending.
Can it have been better-yes!
Can it have been worse-yes!
Did I have a great time at the Ziegfeld with Indy?
YOU BET!!!
Best
Hi Al:
Don’t forget about the next Bond-due in November? Just my opinion, but I’m going into Indy with my expectations under control. After 19 years, Spielberg, et. al., repeatedly said they would get it right. I’m not reading any reviews or posting any here,
“Mr. Neary, What do you want?"
"I just want to know that it’s really happening”
Enjoy
Al:
Here’s another unfortunate complication. There was a time when the Ziegfeld would have an “exclusive” or almost an “exclusive” on a picture, and it would be a pleasure to see a line around the block and a packed auditorium. Indy is having a massive opening, and unlike you and I, many people do not really care where they see a film, even though the Ziegfeld experience is unique.
The bottom line is that even if Indy is a big success, for how long can you fill around a thousand seats for five shows a day?
As I have said here many times, I’m grateful that the place, which really is a “white elephant” given its size, has not vanished or been subdivided. I also miss the Astor Plaza and movies at Radio City (where I actually saw the premiere of “The Abyss.”)
I hope you got to see some of the recent classics and that there will be more of them. It is really a pleasure to see these on the Ziegfeld screen.
Best
To Al:
My apologies-although the Ziegfeld Man wishes he had control over this unfortunately he doesn’t. Since we’ve all been waiting 19 years for Indy to return to the Ziegfeld, do what you have to do to be there. As they say, nobody on his death bed regrets not spending enough time in the office. Or something like that.
See you there, hat and whip in hand!!! It’ll be amazing.
Movie 534:
Thanks for the kind word-much appreciated. When I meet you, I will be pleased to shake your hand. By the way, TCM is the ONLY thing I watch on television. I have met Robert Osborne, he is a gentleman, and introduces a film in person just as he does on TCM—he’s the one who introduced “Leave Her to Heaven” and interviewed Darryl Hickman. Marvelous experience.
See you at the movies.
Best
Any Chance for “How The West Was Won” to coincide with Warner’s DVD package this summer?
Thanks
Hi Rizzo:
Any chance for “How the West Was Won ‘ to coincide with Warner’s summer DVD release? I’m new here, so you may have addressed this before. I introduce some of the classic screenings at the Ziegfeld.
Thanks
Gary
Hi movie 534:
We are definitely on the same page-over the years I have seen, at the Ziegfeld, the restored “Spartacus,” “Vertigo,” and “Lawrence of Arabia,” all on film. And all looked fabulous.
With your expertise, I’m sure that you will see differences between “Goldfinger” on film and “Goldfinger” presented digitally, I respect that. And I know plenty of people who prefer the “sound” of music on vinyl versus CD’s. I respect that,too.
Last month, I saw a gorgeous technicolor print of “Leave Her to Heaven,” restored by AMPAS that looked absolutely stunning and was on film-clearly the best of both worlds.
But one can’t have it all ways. So, any day, I will take seeing a classic, in a theatre, with an audience, on a big screen, whether it is film, digital, or (gasp) even DVD.
My real gripe is with the very existence of home video vs. the abundance of revival houses that used to exist (The Bleeker St., Thalia, New Yorker, etc.) There used to be so many of these where one could really appreciate “film as it was meant to be seen.”
So, if it’s a choice between only seeing “Goldfinger” at home on your plasma TV (however Big) and seeing it digitally at the Ziegfeld, I’ll go with the latter.
I attend the Film Forum, MOMA, Moving Image, the Lafayette and look forward to making a trip to the Basie. All film, I’m grateful. I really am.
Best
Bill:
I was so intrigued by the incredible detail and clarity that I, too, saw in “Goldfinger,” that tonight, I took out the “ultimate” edition DVD of “Dr. No” from my local library. It has a very interesting documentary on how the frame-by frame digital restoration of the Bond films is being done using the original camera negatives. It is very high-tech, but involves a lot of TLC on the part of the restoration team. As you saw, it’s all up there on the screen.
It really looks like a brand new film.
This not only corrects dirt and damage, but as you can see, brings out a sharpness and beauty that is incredible.
Glad you had a good evening!!
Best
Well, although it is after midnight, I am so enthusiastic about what happened today that I am keeping my eyes open to write this.
If digital restoration AND projection is to be the future of our dear classics-there can be no better example of why this SHOULD be so than what I saw today—a nearly forty-four year old film that is so crisp, so sharp, and so beautiful that I really wanted to weep for joy.
This “Goldfinger” is astonishing right down to the pores on 007’s face. My friends, it is that good. No, it is better than good—it is incredible.
And I could tell right from the getgo as Bond looks at his Rolex when he sets the bomb in the pre-credit sequence.
What clarity, what stupendous color, what an experience-for a film I adore. Here’s another example—in the famous golf match Bond offers a gold bar to Goldfinger to sweeten the pot, a bar from a Nazi stash of gold. Well, on that bar of gold is the tiniest swastika I ever saw, and this is the first time I ever saw it as clear as day or ever actually saw it at all!!
I just did not believe that an old movie like this could look this pristine on a screen as large as the Ziegfeld’s.
I had read about this “print” which came directly from the UK where it was a major hit last fall—and it’s not a print at all, but a hard drive.
And I do not in any way want to offend anyone who loves celluloid, but if digital can do this, I am all for it.
The sound was absolutely fine and happily was not artificially “updated” to the Dolby that it never was. John Barry’s soundtrack filled the entire theatre starting with the brass that blasts Shirley Bassey’s booming voice.
Someone else will have to report on “The Spy Who Loved Me,” since I couldn’t stay for that.
But please allow me to finish with the following and I’ll also post my intro at the very end.
As I said on this site before this Classics series started, not everything is going to be perfect, and some things will be far from perfect. The “Jaws” I saw looked great, but “The Sound of Music” had plenty of scratches. I am still glad that I even had the opportunity just to see “The Sound of Music” at the Ziegfeld.
And just to set the record straight regarding the “Planet of the Apes,” new print—since I personally looked into this-that print was indeed new, but it was not made from very good source elements. Still, I was glad to have the opportunity to see it.
I will be away for a little bit, but hope to see you all at Indiana Jones on opening day.
Here’s the “Goldfinger” intro, and thanks for listening
Best
As we look forward to the return of Indiana Jones in about a month, let us, today, not forget that James Bond will be back in November for the 22nd time in forty six years.
So, let’s go back, for a moment to the early sixties, just to get ready. Right on the heels of “From Russia With Love†which opened in April, “Goldfinger†opened in New York on Broadway in December of 1964 as the most highly anticipated film of the year.
The day after it opened, the Times reported that the DeMille theatre on Broadway and 47th street would remain open 24 hours a day to meet the public demand for the filmâ€"completely unprecedented.
After all these years, “Goldfinger,†which may be the best of the Bonds, still has it all-the danger, spectacular action, exotic locations, smoldering sexuality, outrageous humor and double entendres, the evilest villains, the glamour and the girls, and the coolest of the cool, double Oh seven himself.-shaken, not stirred. And that’s a line that Bond himself first says in “Goldfinger.â€
Here are a few more fun facts:
(1) There was a rumor at the time that actress Shirley Eaton, the “golden girl,†was really suffocated and killed during the production of “Goldfinger.†In other words, that was her really dead on the cover of Life Magazine and “Goldfinger†was a SNUFF movie.
Great publicity, but you can’t suffocate somebody by painting them-I tried it, it doesn’t work. But don’t you try it, since paint still has some nasty things in it, plus it can clog all your pores and you can overheat to death.
(2) Ah, that wonderful car, the Aston-Martin DB5-“The Most Famous Car in the World.â€
Well, that wasn’t the only new car to make its first appearance in a motion picture. Anyone recall the Ford Mustang?
The Ford Motor company happily let the producers crush a brand new Lincoln Continental in return for showcasing the Mustang which debuted in 1964.
(3) Finally the most famous line that never got into the film.
When Pussy Galore introduces herself to Bond, double â€"oh-seven pauses, smiles and replies “I must be dreaming.â€
THAT WAS CHANGED FROM THIS:
“IN THE ORIGINAL SCRIPTâ€
(1) After nearly being castrated by Goldfinger’s laser beam, Bond awakens to find a beautiful girl pointing a gun at him.
(2) SHE SAYS: “I AM PUSSY GALOREâ€
(3) BOND, INSTANTLY GRATEFUL, REPLIES “ I KNOW YOU ARE, BUT WHAT’S YOUR NAME?â€
THEY SHOULD HAVE LEFT THAT ONE IN!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO, SIT BACK, RELAX, SHUT OFF YOUR CELL PHONES BECAUSE “I DON’T EXPECT YOU TO TALK—-I EXPECT YOU TO …WATCH.â€
How did “Ishtar” play for five weeks?
Hi Everyone:
Slight change in plans, this coming Saturday, April 19th, I will be introducing the afternoon showing of “Goldfinger” instead of the evening showing.
I am really looking forward to this as I have never seen the film on as big a screen as the Ziegfeld, but more on that in my intro. Would you believe that the film played 24 hours a day at the De Mille-incredible.
See you at the movies,
Best
Hi Peter:
Will definitely be back, if not sooner then definitely for “The Jolson Story”– a favorite from “Million Dollar Movie” where everybody rediscovered Jolson. I actually went to a Jolson conference last fall, which was mobbed.
I’m sure evey day is a good day at the Lafayette, and I have to commend you and everyone for paying attention to such detail.
Also, the whole town of Suffern, which I had never been to, is absolutely charming. It really reminded me of “Willoughby” from a famous “Twilight Zone” episode that I’m sure you know. It’s nice to know that Willoughby has such a great cinema as The Lafayette.
I looked at the top ten list—and was glad to see that the Ziegfeld is on it, too. Yes, I know about all the issues that people post, but I’m glad both places exist. I may spend the rest of my life visiting the other eight cinemas!!!
See you at the movies,
Best,
Gary
Have to add one other thing-last week another dream came true; I finally got inside what was once “Loew’s 175th Street.”
Although a church, since 1969, it is also now a “sometimes” rock venue known as “The United Palace.” The band that I saw there was great, but the interior, which is in pristine shape, has not been modified at all (as far as I can tell) and is totally awesome— what the “Jersey City” is on its way to being.
I’m almost motivated to go back to the “Valencia” in Jamaica, Queens, also now a church-but a place I have great teenage memories of.
Hi Jeff and Bill:
It was totally spontaneous-given I had already seen “Shine a Light”(which I loved)-I figured today was the day to go.
When I first saw that interior and heard the organ music I was totally blown away.
When Nelson said that “Jason” was a thrill for ten-year olds, I actually remember seeing it on television much later, but I did remember the incredible thrill of seeing “The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad” in 1958 when I was 7!!! And that was at my neighborhood theatre which had to be the Bliss or Sunnyside in Queens.
What memories this brought back.
Having the Lafayette (which was easier to get to than I thought) AND the Ziegfeld now seems the best of both worlds. Throw in the shows I go to at Moving Image, MOMA, and Film Forum, as well as, Turner Classic Movies-I am one happy movie-goer.
If you’re at the Ziegfeld in a week for my “Goldfinger” intro—4/19, evening show, please say hello. Now I know two Honor Blackman films.
Bill-if you get a chance, I’d still like your thoughts re: Warners and “Last Summer,” which is my pet project.
Thanks
Dear Nelson, Pete, Jeff and the entire staff of the Lafayette:
After everything I have read about this theatre on the Ziegfeld page, I finally discovered what I have been missing by attending today’s “Jason and the Argonauts.” WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE in a lovely little village. I drove from Long Island, picked up my friend in Manhattan, came up the Palisades and was there in no time.
To see that a place like this still exists ANYWHERE is incredible. From the enthusiastic people on line outside, to the beautiful lobby, astonishing interior, and marvelous organ playing—-to the introduction by Nelson, the beautiful curtains, and the screening itself—YOU CAN BET I WILL BE BACK!!
Many, many thanks—I am all smiles.
Gary, the Ziegfeldman
This week TCM devoted a special day to Richard Widmark—don’t be surprised if you see something similar this week for Heston.
Just watching a story on CBS Sunday Morning—Heston’s favorite role was “Will Penny.”
And just look at that amazing list above.
Don’t forget “Touch of Evil”: “He was some kind of a man… What does it matter what you say about people?”
Adiós.
Exactly a week ago I introduced “Planet of the Apes” and sadly now have to add this. May he rest in peace.
Statement by the Family of Charlton Heston
Saturday April 5, 11:24 pm ET
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 5, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Legendary actor, civil rights leader and political activist Charlton Heston passed away today, at the age of 84. He died at his home with Lydia, his wife of 64 years, at his side. Mr. Heston was loved by his two children, Fraser Clarke Heston and Holly Heston Rochell, and his three grandchildren, Jack Alexander Heston, Ridley Rochell and Charlie Rochell.
The Heston family issued the following statement:
“To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support. Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity.
We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.